Food & Drink

The Kitchen Sink: News and Notes From This Week in East Bay Food

This week: Tough times for both Telegraph Avenue and East Bay chefs' self-esteem, but at least we can drown our sorrows in German beer.

Coming and Going: As we reported last week, Berkeley institution Blake's on Telegraph is closing after 70 years. The restaurant, bar, and dance club appears to be yet another victim of the economy.

It gets worse, though: As the Daily Cal reported on Tuesday, Mario's La Fiesta, which has been serving authentic Mexican to Cal's masses for a staggering 52 years, is also set to close.

In happier news, West Berkeley's getting a new German restaurant, according to Thrillist. Helmed by a pair of German expats and set to open on San Pablo and Addison on Sunday, Gaumenkitzel will have traditional lunch and dinner service, as well as a bakery and a big beer selection. No, we have no idea how to pronounce the name, either.

Chopped liver?: Eater SF is running a "hottest chefs in the Bay Area" contest, but apparently not a single East Bay chef made the cut. Outrage!